County invests in community through annual TCVA facilities grants program
The Tillamook Coast Visitors Association’s (TCVA) tourism advisory committee submitted its recommendations to the Tillamook County Board of Commissioners for tourism facilities grant application funding. Commissioners approved $511,234 in Tourism Facilities Grants for the 2023-24 fiscal year. These grants, aimed at supporting tourism-related facilities, were awarded to seven deserving applicants, bringing the total tourism facilities grants awarded since 2015 to $5.5 million.
TCVA received 21 applications for tourism facilities grants. After a thorough evaluation, 16 projects met the eligibility criteria outlined in ORS.320.300, governing the use of lodging tax for tourism-related facilities.
“We started with a funding pool of $400,000,” says Nan Devlin, TCVA Executive Director. “But the county received more than $1 million in funding requests, which speaks volumes to the community’s eagerness to invest in tourism-related amenities. Ultimately, the tourism advisory committee made a thoughtful and strategic funding recommendation.”
The approved applications cover a range of essential community improvements, including historic train depot enhancements by the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, park upgrades by the Tillamook County Library Foundation, walkway safety improvements by the Sitka Center for the Arts, a new playground development by the City of Rockaway Beach, roof repairs for the YMCA Bowling Alley, entry repairs due to vandalism for the Tillamook Air Museum, and ADA restroom construction at the new City Hall building in Manzanita.
The Tillamook Air Museum and City of Manzanita applications tied in scoring and ranking, leading to both projects receiving funding. A grant from the previous year, originally awarded $40,000 but canceled due to a lack of required match from another source, was applied to this year’s fund. This allowed for covering the additional funding needed for the two tied applications.
In addition, the county approved a request for $40,000 from the Tillamook Chamber of Commerce to assist with unforeseen building issues.
“The total awarded for this year’s tourism facilities grants, including the tie and additional request, is an impressive $511,234,” says Devlin. “We are thrilled to be able to make this kind of community investment. These grants represent a continued commitment by Tillamook County to invest in projects that enhance local facilities and foster community development.”
Annual marketing and facilities grants programs are offered in the fall. For more information, visit www.tillamookcoast.com/grants.
About Visit Tillamook Coast
Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (dba Visit Tillamook Coast) is a destination management organization committed to sustainable tourism principles of community, stewardship and economic vitality. We support the Tillamook Coast through initiatives guided by those principles, including outdoor recreation, accessibility, culinary/agritourism, cultural heritage/arts, community development, natural resources and public safety. For more information, visit www.tillamookcoast.com.
